This text uncovers the world of the Arts Council. Since this pioneering outfit was set up as an emergency measure in World War II, it has grown to become the chief means by which artists and producers receive the cash of taxpayers in return for creating work for the public's benefit. Most of the #3.6 billion the Council has spent to date has gone to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The author explains why, in his opinion, the Arts Council can never say "No" to the opera house, despite its inglorious record. He goes on to examine the Council's public humiliations - including the orchestra fiasco of 1993 - the lottery handouts, the theatre cuts, and the tussles with Westminster and Whitehall. The interviews with artists, advisors and members of staff include discussions with Lord Rees-Mogg, Richard Hoggart, Sir Alec Guinness and Melvyn Bragg.

Born in Cleethorpes in 1950, Richard Witts graduated from Manchester University and worked as an arts administrator in the late 1970s. He was a TV co-presenter in the 80s (WHAT'S ON with Margi Clark, THE OXFORD ROAD SHOW with Ben Elton and Peter Powell). This is his second book.